Honda drives Japan to deserved 2-2 draw against Senegal

Gerardo Mccormick

In their final group games on Thursday, Senegal will face Colombia in Samara while Japan plays Poland in Volgograd.

"Of course, for me I would prefer that Colombia win". A tricky Group D featuring darlings Iceland, risky Nigeria and disrespected Croatia stood between Argentina and its goal of returning to the title match in what could be Lionel Messi's last World Cup. Cisse was captain of the 2002 team and returns to the World Cup as coach of his country. The most likely result is a draw which keeps both sides alive for the final matchday in the group play.

Japan came from behind twice to earn the point against the Teranga Lions. "We have to show the world that we are doing something nice", said Senegal fan Gora Ndoye after the match.

Now begins the story of Aliou Cisse, who has attracted worldwide attention in Russian Federation, after getting Africa's first victory at Russian Federation 2018, as a 2-1 victory over Poland in Group H put The Teranga Lions under the spotlight.

WHEN it comes to the FIFA World Cup finals, there is a common denominator that runs among the majority of African representatives - a defeat in the opening game of their latest adventure to try and break barriers by conquering the globe for the first time.

Both Poland and Colombia lost their opening match, to Senegal and Japan respectively, and could be eliminated with another loss.

Japan failed to deal with a right-wing cross with Genki Haraguchi nodding the ball straight to Senegal defender Youssouf Sabaly in the box. Senegal features one of the most balanced sides around and the ability to score on quick counter-attacks or work nice build-up play gives them options.

"Today, we are in a situation in which we are forced to win".

The inspirational Senegal will also look to advance into the knockouts, but it's not going to be straightforward against Japan...

"We've watched the video footage of Senegal players". If they do not, their fate will be in the hands of the match between Mexico and Sweden.

But don't worry, Senegal will make us proud!

Two hours after Japanese coach Akira Nishino said he was ready to mark Mane with up to three players, the Liverpool forward laughingly shrugged off the attention. What they did was not just remain in the race, but convincingly knock Poland out of the tournament.

But they are not out of the woods yet - to have a chance of becoming the first team to successfully defend the title since Brazil in 1962, Germany must beat South Korea by a two-goal margin in Kazan on Wednesday.

The pressure is now on, not just for Rodriguez, but in the knowledge that Jose Nestor Pekerman's six-and-a-half-year stint - only three other coaches at the World Cup have been in place longer - in charge would have a huge stain should Colombia lose against a Poland side ranked eighth by Federation Internationale de Football Association and also needing a result.

He was brought on in the second half of their first game and didn't do too much other than pick up a yellow card.

Share this:

Hot News

Landmark win as Djokovic reaches Queen's semisJun 25, 2018 - 05:09
Djokovic had an early look at a break point in the second set, but Cilic snuffed it out before facing even more danger at 4-5. Mannarino resisted a handful of break points in the eighth game, but was finally bowed, and then Djokovic broke again.

Brazil leave it late to break Costa Rica heartsJun 23, 2018 - 19:23
Yesterday's Croatia tactic of swarming Lionel Messi will likely translate to Costa Rica vs Neymar . Only two OMBCs have been chosen from India, the other being Hrishi Tej from Karnataka.

Obama calls for end to the ‘cruelty’ of family separationsJun 22, 2018 - 23:12
If those options are exhausted, authorities must find the "least restrictive" setting for a child who arrived without parents. It also directs the Department of Defence to take steps to house detained immigrant families as needed.

Watch Paul McCartney In Carpool KaraokeJun 22, 2018 - 22:47
The singer revealed that the band thought their music would only last 10 years and expressed his shock at its continued endurance. Paul McCartney was featured in a " Carpool Karaoke " segment on CBS' " The Late Late Show " on Thursday, June 21, 2018.

Iran says OPEC won't take direction from TrumpJun 22, 2018 - 22:42
Zangeneh also said on Friday OPEC would change the structure of the current deal, but did not elaborate. The price of oil has jumped 55% since OPEC agreed to cut production by 1.8 million bpd.

All Eyes On Son Heung-min As South Korea Take On SwedenJun 21, 2018 - 04:48
Sweden's ploy did not faze the Koreans, insisted Shin, who said such in-depth analysis of opponents was now the worldwide norm. That was the case Monday morning when Sweden defeated South Korea 1-0 in their 2018 FIFA World Cup Group F opener.